Wounded IDF Veteran Elisha Medan Tapped for Likud Knesset List

With the deadline for submitting party lists for the upcoming elections looming, the Likud party has begun announcing its reserved spots, with wounded IDF reservist Elisha Medan being the first to be officially declared. Medan, who lost both his legs during combat in Gaza, will be placed in the 11th position on the Likud's Knesset list.

Medan, a co-founder of the Avigail settlement in Hebron, was honored last year with lighting a beacon at the Independence Day ceremony, recognized for his bravery and service. The Likud party stated that Medan embodies values of dedication, responsibility, love for the land, and camaraderie, calling his journey from the battlefield to rehabilitation a testament to the Israeli spirit.

Medan was severely injured in an operation in Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, where four of his comrades were killed. His long rehabilitation process has been highlighted by the party as a symbol of determination and resilience. The Likud emphasized his choice to look forward and continue contributing to Israeli society despite his profound personal loss.

This development comes as Oren Dobronsky, who was initially slated for the 11th spot, announced he is relinquishing the reserved position offered by Prime Minister Netanyahu. Dobronsky stated he preferred to serve only as a professional minister, potentially in charge of AI affairs, rather than accept a reserved spot that might require him to renounce his American citizenship.

Prime Minister Netanyahu had delayed announcing all his reserved candidates until Tuesday morning, despite a deadline set by the Likud's tribunal. The tribunal had warned Netanyahu of potential repercussions if he failed to submit the names by Monday evening. Netanyahu is reportedly considering other candidates for reserved spots, including attorney David Peter and attorney Yiska Bina, as well as Talik Guili, mother of the late Ran Guili.